1 B2 idiomatic informal
To try to gain someone's favour by flattering or being overly friendly, especially for selfish reasons.
"He was always making up to the director, hoping to get a promotion."
inseparable
make up to
B2 informal inseparable transitive
To flatter or behave in an ingratiating way toward someone, usually to gain favour; or to reach a certain amount or level.
In plain English
Be very friendly or complimentary to someone because you want something from them; reach a total number.
What does "make up to" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 neutral
To reach or amount to a certain quantity or figure.
"The final donations made up to just over five thousand pounds."
inseparable
Usage tip
The 'flatter/ingratiate' sense often has a negative connotation — it implies the behaviour is insincere. The 'reach a total' sense is neutral and common in numerical contexts.
Words that pair with "make up to"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
boss teacher total amount figure number
How to conjugate "make up to"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
make up to
I/you/we/they
3rd person
makes up to
he/she/it
Past simple
made up to
yesterday
Past participle
made up to
have + pp
-ing form
making up to
continuous
Hear "make up to" in the wild
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